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More than just the world’s oldest cinematic celebration, the Venice Film Festival is where cinema, couture, and the city’s eternal romance meet under the soft glow of the Adriatic sun. Each year, the Lido di Venezia becomes a playground for filmmakers, actors, and style icons from around the globe. For those who travel in search of beauty, glamour, and a sense of occasion, it’s an experience that blends the art of film with the art of living well.
A Legacy of Glamour and Influence
Since its debut in 1932, the festival has been part of the revered “Big Three” alongside Cannes and Berlin, yet it carries a charm all its own. Screenings here have a way of setting the tone for awards season, often unveiling the year’s most talked-about films. The Lido’s unique setting – flanked by the Adriatic on one side and the Venetian lagoon on the other – gives every arrival, every premiere, and every stroll along the waterfront a cinematic quality.
Central to the festival’s prestige are its honours. The coveted Golden Lion is awarded to the best film, while the Silver Lion recognises the finest directing and the Volpi Cup celebrates standout performances by actors and actresses. Lifetime achievement awards are also occasionally presented, often to industry legends whose influence has shaped the art of cinema.
The festival’s programme is as varied as it is prestigious. Audiences can expect everything from high-profile Hollywood blockbusters to finely crafted European arthouse works and bold international debuts. This mix ensures that the Venice Film Festival remains both a global stage for established masters and a launchpad for fresh voices destined to make their mark.
The Red Carpet Experience
The red carpet here is as much about style as it is about cinema. Evening premieres call for black tie or couture gowns, often paired with dazzling high jewellery that catches the light as cameras flash. Those lucky enough to have gala tickets will see stars stepping off polished wooden water taxis, an entrance so distinctly Venetian it feels like part of the festival’s script.
Where to Stay
Your choice of hotel can shape the entire experience. The Excelsior Venice Lido Resort is the festival’s beating heart, with a grand façade, private beach cabanas, and direct boat shuttles to screenings. Across the water, Aman Venice offers 16th-century palatial charm with frescoed ceilings and a serene courtyard, perfect for slipping away from the spotlight. The Belmond Hotel Cipriani remains a classic for its lagoon views, impeccable service, and lush gardens, just minutes from the Lido by private launch.
Arriving in Style
In Venice, the journey is part of the story. Private water taxis are the signature choice, gliding you from the airport straight to your hotel’s dock. Yachts can be moored along the Lido or in the city’s historic harbour, while helicopter transfers provide a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the lagoon before touching down nearby.
Dining and After-Parties
Some of the most memorable festival moments happen off-screen. Lavish gala dinners hosted by sponsors and charities set the stage for evenings of fine dining and conversation. Michelin-starred tables await at places like Oro at the Cipriani and Venissa on Mazzorbo island. After-parties range from intimate yacht gatherings to candlelit celebrations in palazzo rooftops, often hosted by luxury brands and carrying on long after midnight.
Beyond the Screen
Even away from the red carpet, Venice is full of treasures. Private tours of the Peggy Guggenheim Collection or Biennale exhibitions offer quieter inspiration. A short boat ride brings you to Burano with its pastel facades, or to Torcello for a long lunch in leafy gardens. In San Marco, discreet appointments with high-jewellery houses and couture ateliers can be arranged for those seeking something rare and extraordinary.
Insider Advice
Arrive at least a day before the first premieres to settle in and find your rhythm. Let your concierge handle the finer details – from gala access to private transport – so you can focus on the experience itself. And if you’d like to remember it exactly as it felt, consider bringing a discreet personal photographer to capture it all without intruding.
A Stage Like No Other
The Venice Film Festival is more than an event; it’s a chance to step into a world where every detail feels curated for beauty and pleasure. Here, the worlds of film, fashion, and society come together in a setting that has inspired artists for centuries. For the luxury traveller, it’s an invitation not just to watch the show, but to be part of it.
